Super truck drivers - water great idea

United Utilities ‘Water on Wheels service’

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Homeowners across the North West might not realise it, but over the past year they could have been among the 250,000 people who’ve been ‘rescued’ by an unlikely team of heroes six ‘water truckers’.

This crack team of H20 heroes operates United Utilities ‘Water on Wheels service’ a fleet of bespoke Volvo 30,000ltr super tankers that travel to affected areas and pump water directly into the mains to ensure that properties continue to receive an ‘on tap’ service while repairs are carried out.

Last year alone the water truckers, who service the entire region - from Crewe to Carlisle, helped keep over a quarter of a million people in full flow by pumping 24,770,000 litres of water into the system.

The service has been so successful that United Utilities is to invest over £1million in six new 30,000ltr tankers for the fleet, a move that will enable the water truckers to mobilise almost half a million litres of water when needed.

For Emergency Plant Resource Co-ordinator John Doyle and his team of six super operatives, the investment is welcome news. He said: “The new kit means we are better equipped than ever before to provide help where it’s needed. Just recently our team kept five tankers pumping into the network for over 48 hours following a burst aqueduct in Rivington. Around 5000 local people were kept on tap throughout and were unaware of any issue.

“These six guys travel the length and breadth of the North West with the Water on Wheels trucks, making sure that communities, hospitals, schools and businesses remain in full flow, even if their mains supply is undergoing repair work. We’re a bit like the emergency service nobody knows about.”

But those who want to find out more about this team of ‘secret super truckers’ now can, thanks to a film from United Utilities which takes a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a water trucker and at the services they provide.

Dave Leffler, aged 29 from Warrington, is one of the Water on Wheels drivers.

He said: “I love the job. No two days are the same. One day we can be carrying out routine maintenance work, the next we can be working in the heart of a community to help make sure people don’t miss out on their morning shower and cup of tea.

“There’s genuine satisfaction in knowing that you’ve helped thousands of people get on with their lives, even if they have no idea you were ever there!”